The oral language programme was developed as the result of a needs assessment conducted in 1991 with the caregivers of pre-schoolers, new entrant teachers and primary school staff in the Buller R.E.A.P region.

Let’s Get Talking provided by Buller R.E.A.P is available to four year old children in the Buller region. The group can consist of two to six children at any time and is supervised by a trained E.C.E. (Early Childhood Educator). The programme is held eight times per term, four terms a year.

All Let’s Get Talking programmes are planned to meet the individual needs of participating children which will ensure that they have the necessary skills to enable them to enter the new entrant room with confidence.

Children enrolled in the programme will be:

• Encouraged to separate comfortably from Parent/Whanau/Caregivers
• Offered a range of child centred learning activities which meet individual needs
• Guided to work in co-operative groups and develop social skills
• Become aware of health and safety practices
• Given the opportunity to express themselves verbally and artistically
• Given the opportunity to engage in activities which extend and enhance physical skills
• Responded to in positive and caring ways by E.C.E conducting their programme

The programme is tailored to meet the dynamics of the group and the individual needs and interests of attending children.

The programme is funded by the Ministry of Education and is provided at no cost to Parents/Whanau/Caregivers.

Parent/Whanau/Caregiver Support

Parent/Whanau/Caregivers will be involved in the Let’s Get Talking programme by.

• Sharing with the E.C.E their unique, personal knowledge of their child’s skills, abilities and needs
• Taking an interest in their child’s progress
• Ensuring that their child attends regularly and is punctual
• Providing healthy food/snacks for their child
• Providing a change of clothes and clothes suitable for the season e.g. sunhat, warm jacket etc.
• Providing materials for activity/projects which may be undertaken changduring the programme e.g old Christmas/birthday cards, magazine pictures, card board, material, knitting wool
• Accompanying children on any planned excursions
• Supporting any E.C.E working in isolation

The interest and well being of the children at any Buller R.E.A.P Let’s Get Talking programme is the first and primary concern. Staff will ensure that all children, and their parents/whanau/caregivers feel welcome informed and included by:

• Ensuring all interaction with parent/whanau/caregivers and children is positive
• Parents/whanau/caregivers will be kept informed of update and changes to the programme by personal or telephone contact
• Policies and procedure information is made available on enrolment and whenever requested.
• A copy of the policies and procedures manual will be held by the E.C.E.

Attendance is recorded along with health and safety checklist